So, after finally upgrading the memory on my late 2006 iMac, it has become clear that the airport is going bad. As I mostly just surf, I never notice much lag but the online game hound that is my son complains about it all the time. The 5 year warranty I had ran out a while back. Is it correct that to replace the airport extreme card, you have to get way up inside it? I am not doing that.

Are there products I can buy that I can attach to the outside of the computer through the USB to get the same effect? I've done some searching, but I like the definitiveness of the answers I usually get here. Thanks in advance.

Can you temporarily connect via Ethernet? Turn off airport if you do. What is speedtest like with Ethernet?

If it is the card, could be, it's doable. The hardest part is releasing the two latches at the top.

Take apart, click on Airport card. In the step where they have you insert a credit card, it's a PIA. I have never had the luck. I just pull the bottom open far enough to be able to get a screwdriver in to flip the latches at the top.

And yes there are external options but run the speed tests, let's see if it is the card, your connection in general...or the son.

Don't think I can do an ethernet check because my ethernet connection on my iMac has been next to useless for years now and I have been using only the aiport card. I decided to instead compare my iMac to my son's iPad.

Xplain's use of MacNews, AppleCentral and AppleExpo are not affiliated with Apple, Inc. MacTech is a registered trademark of Xplain Corporation. AppleCentral, MacNews, Xplain, "The journal of Apple technology", Apple Expo, Explain It, MacDev, MacDev-1, THINK Reference, NetProfessional, MacTech Central, MacTech Domains, MacForge, and the MacTutorMan are trademarks or service marks of Xplain Corp. Sprocket is a registered trademark of eSprocket Corp. Other trademarks and copyrights appearing in this printing or software remain the property of their respective holders.

All contents are Copyright 1984-2010 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.